Why We Shouldn’t ‘Just Quit’ Coal.

Coal is the largest source of electricity generation worldwide and the largest single source of CO2 emissions. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is both urgent and crucial to meet the Paris Agreement goals. We know that renewable energy from solar and wind is now economical to produce, so why are new coal mines being given the go ahead and new coal fired power stations still being commissioned when the IEA has explicitly called for No New Coal?

Alongside the environmental factors, are there social issues that are making it difficult to make the transition away from this legacy fuel? Or is it legacy infrastructure that is the problem in satisfying the intense energy needs of hard to abate sectors such as steel and cement production?

What are the alternatives? Are we ready for alternative fuels such as green hydrogen or a pivot away from heat to green chemistry innovations?

This episode will give AXA IM experts a chance to discuss its role in engaging with companies to be more ambitious in their targets and navigate future clean energy investment challenges and opportunities. And why we don’t just divest.

Olivier references AXA IM’s Coal Policy in this episode, for the full details, please see our Climate Risks policy on our corporate website.

Our host, Herschel Pant, speaks to Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist at the International Energy Agency, and Olivier Eugène, Head of Climate and ESG Research at AXA IM as well as Mark Gilligan, Head of Infrastructure of AXA IM Alts.

Music performed by Sum Wave, composed by Niclas Gustavsson

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